ONE of Gwent's biggest seizures of cannabis was made in a "drug factory" barely half a mile from police HQ.

The 625 cannabis plants were found by officers who raided a Croesyceiliog house converted into the factory by criminals.

Police had to hire a van to transfer the huge find into storage. It will now be analysed to determine the street value, which is expected to be nearly £20,000.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment, including growing lights, transformers and humidity controls were also seized.

It was the biggest drugs seizure in Cwmbran in nearly 20 years and police are now searching for the mastermind behind the factory.

PC Matt Hook, one of the officers who discovered the plants on Thursday night, said they had swooped before the plants could be harvested and sold.

"It was a good time to do it because although the plants were mature none of the cannabis had reached the streets," PC Hook explained.

He added: "Every room, including the attic, was full.

"I had never seen anything like this amount before. It all seemed very professionally done, with the lights wired in."

After clearing the house of plants officers left the windows open to air the rooms.

Neighbours told the Argus the owner had rented out the house a few months ago.

They had recently noticed strange smells coming from it and had contacted Torfaens council.

One neighbour added: "We had wondered why the lights were always on. But the windows were blocked so you couldn't see in."

l One man was arrested and is being questioned.